Typology Culture Location Berlin Construction volume of new building: GFA 13.226m², GV 62.600m³, Old building: GFA 30.250m², GV 145.450m³ Client The federal state of Berlin, represented by the Senate Department for Urban Development Client Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion User Stiftung Oper in Berlin Competition 1. Preis – 2020 with negotiation process Award Shortlist WAF Visualization Prize 2023
BRIEF Refurbishment and extension of the Komische Oper in Berlin-Mitte | ADDED VALUE With its small-scale volumes and multi-use balconies, loggias and green roof terraces, the differentiated structure of the new building creates a heterogeneous image that reflects the diversity inside. The result is a face for the Komische Oper that conveys the warm, open and inviting spirit of the building to the outside world.
The Komische Oper is an important part of Berlin’s opera and cultural landscape and is located in the historic city centre of Berlin Mitte between Unter den Linden and Behrenstraße.
The ageing building stock, which consists of various listed structures from different eras dating from 1890-1980, is being carefully upgraded and refurbished; various layers of the building’s rich history are being preserved and partially uncovered. This careful approach makes it possible to preserve the unique character of the ensemble while at the same time meeting today’s requirements for comfort and functionality. Modern elements are added with respect for the historical substance, creating a harmonious interplay of old and new.
Access via Behrenstraße
Inviting elegance of the existing foyer.
The Komische Oper is a testament to contemporary history, preserving the stories of past generations while remaining open to the future.
The staircase to the Hall of Mirrors.
The auditorium was not destroyed in the Second World War and still corresponds to the original plans.
By moving away from the functional building ‘Unter den Linden’ to the north, the mosaic at the front remains untouched and exposed.
The substance of the Komische Oper is also still recognisable to the south by means of a detached section on the western corner of Behrenstraße. Without denying its own identity, the new building manages to co-exist appropriately and respectfully with the listed building.
The new building on Glinkastrasse complements the functional areas of the opera house with various small-scale volumes and optimises its organisational processes.
The main entrance to the Komische Oper will remain in its usual location on Behrenstraße. A barrier-free entrance is located at the interface between the new and old buildings in the immediate vicinity of the main entrance. The box office with café welcomes visitors at the corner of ‘Unter den Linden’ and Glinkastraße. The stage entrance is located further south on Glinkastrasse. The casino on the corner of Behrenstrasse and Glinkastrasse can be used independently of the opera.
‘The design presents itself as a multifaceted chameleon, as a house of metamorphoses, diversity and innovation. It enters into dialogue with the history of the Komische Oper Berlin and allows three centuries to flow in and out of each other like a counterpoint…’
Barrie Kosky, former artistic director and chief director of the Komische Oper
The Komische Oper is organised from north to south in four functional ‘strips’, which the extension incorporates and makes visible to the outside through the structure of the plinth. The functional connections between the new and existing buildings create short distances and facilitate orientation.
The recesses in the plinth area create more spacious public areas on the ground floor, which can be used by the café and the casino for outdoor catering and stimulate the revitalisation of the street. Additional small piazzas mark the entrances to the new building.
The facades – like a staged stage set – are composed of various elements and materials that were developed from the design canon of the existing facades. Textured surfaces made of stone, steel, ceramic and metal in various shades ranging from champagne
to red visualise the four different functional areas of the new building. The high-traffic areas on the ground floor, such as the cash desk, entrances, café and casino, have transparent glass facades.
The projections and recesses of the individual volumes create balconies, loggias and green roof terraces. When selecting the materials, particular emphasis is placed on sustainability, ecology and a circular economy.
“The special features of the existing building, such as the three-dimensionally offset main entrance or the sandstone façade with the copper-framed window front, provided the template for the design. The forms and materials were transferred to the new building.”
Kilian Kada
The café on the 6th floor with its roof terrace, which is open to the public, offers a fantastic view over the street ‘Unter den Linden’ to the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag.
The facade panels removed for the renovation are stored.
Prepared facade variants for a meeting in our Berlin office.
The facade panels removed for the renovation are stored.
Prepared for refurbishment: the existing building without facade panels.
Inventory.
Testing of a new facade.
Antique lamps.
Facade mock-up.
Facade mock-up.
Renovation work on the facade.
The entrance is already being renovated.
Inventory.
Renovation work on the facade.
Colleagues at work.
